MG's former Longbridge, UK headquarters has been pretty quiet since production ceased in 2005. Newly-merged owners SAIC and Nanjing want the clatter of carbuilding to once again echo through the plant and plan to base their European and overseas operations there. The plant itself has the capability to build up to three different models; the challenge is deciding which of the former rival's products to build there. MG TF roadsters will likely lead the charge, with cars due at retail locations by March 1st. MG Rover holdovers could return to their roots if SAIC/Nanjing decide to build the MG 3 and MG 7, while the newly deisgned Roewe W2, pictured above, looks like a solid possibility, as well. In addition to manufacturing, R&D and sales efforts will also be strengthened. From the sound of things, it won't be long before Longbridge is once again turning out cars (some of the same cars, even) at a healthy clip.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Random Task @ Jan 8th 2008 3:14PM
Wow. That is awesome news, as there is nothing the world needs more than Chinese knockoffs of ancient British/ Japanese engineering. Europe is salivating with anticipation.
andybee @ Jan 8th 2008 3:45PM
actually it was engineered and designed in the UK at Ricardo 2010
Dazza @ Jan 8th 2008 4:43PM
They're not knockoffs. Nanjing bought the rights to MG, and SAIC bought those to most of the former Rover line. The Roewe 45 will be the final production car that would have been the Rover RDX60 (a JV between SAIC and Rover) had Rover have survived.
jgp @ Jan 8th 2008 3:17PM
Camry with a Saturn nose?
VP @ Jan 8th 2008 4:05PM
I went straight to the picture without looking at the headline and thought of the same thing about the front clip: Saturn Aura.
Come on china, we know you have some very smart people so please put them to good use. There is nothing wrong with being inspired, but don't copy.
Jackie B. @ Jan 8th 2008 6:08PM
Hmm, those tires look North American!!!!
Kunikos @ Jan 8th 2008 3:22PM
The nose looks like a smiley face. LOL
Pat @ Jan 8th 2008 4:18PM
That is a great looking grille.
efm-7 @ Jan 8th 2008 4:32PM
hmm acura CSX headlights
Guenther @ Jan 8th 2008 4:49PM
Styling aside, it seems odd that the a Chinese company would assemble cars in the UK. Judging by most other volume makes, its a difficult place to build a car and make money.
EMC @ Jan 8th 2008 8:16PM
They are building them in UK, because MG *was* a brittish brand and the hardware/experience is already there.
The UK is the home marked for the MG (and most likely the largest), so it makes perfect sense for the new owners to come in with open arms and display their "good will" by reopening and rehiring a lot of the pre-employed MG/Rover workforce. Not to mention far less transportation costs etc.
Kunikos @ Jan 9th 2008 1:00AM
Yes, but I'm sure they aren't saving any money by having to pay labor at 100x the cost of Chinese labor. Not to mention the cost of land/property to build the factory.
Rick @ Jan 8th 2008 5:23PM
Nice looking collection of influences. I like the look.